Former major league star Kazmir tries to regain form back home with Skeeters

SUGAR LAND — Scott Kazmir was an opening-day starter and an All-Star by the time he was 22, led the American League in strikeouts and started a game in the World Series.

Now 28 and out of the big leagues, Kazmir is back in his hometown trying to rediscover what once made him great and work his way back to the majors.

On Sunday, the former Cypress Falls lefthander faced professional hitters for the first time since being released by the Los Angeles Angels in June 2011 in his debut for the Sugar Land Skeeters at Constellation Field. Kazmir was kept on a 25-pitch limit and lasted one inning, giving up two runs on two hits and striking out one in a 16-6 loss to the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Kazmir (0-1) wasn’t too concerned about his statistics — he was just happy to be back on the mound.

“The jitters were there,” he said. “It was short and quick, but it felt good to get back out there.

“It’s been a long time since I went out there and competed against hitters and just try to get through an inning.”

The past two years have not been easy on Kazmir as he suffered a drop in his velocity and confidence. In 2010, he saw his ERA balloon to 5.94 and, after one horrific outing in 2011, he found himself pitching in extended spring training and the minors. After going 0-5 for the Angels’ Class AAA affiliate and allowing 30 runs in 151⁄3 innings, the Angels let him go despite owing him $14.5 million.

Kazmir said that during his time in the minors it was a coin flip whether he would be able to get the ball over the plate.

“I mean when you go out there and you struggle like I did, it’s tough to have confidence. It really is,” he said. “Today being able to do what I did, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”

On Sunday, Kazmir’s fastball was in the low 90s and topped out at 95 mph.

The Skeeters plan to be cautious with Kazmir and stretch his workload over his next few starts. Pitching coach Britt Burns was encouraged by what he saw with Kazmir’s mechanics and thinks he has a chance to get back to the majors.

“He took some time away and decided that he loves the game and wants to continue on and this league has been formed for that purpose,” Burns said. “You have to commend him for that step.

“He might discover that he’s not necessarily the same pitcher that he was when he was younger, but he can still be effective and get back to the big leagues and continue his career.”